ES2860684T3 - Electropneumatic Endoscope Adapter - Google Patents

Abstract

Endoscope system (100), (200), (220) comprising: an endoscope (102), (202) including an endoscope electropneumatic connection assembly (104) having a leak test port (106); an endoscope electro-optical subsystem (126) that is connectable to said endoscope (102), (202) via said endoscope electropneumatic connection assembly (104) in a manner that prevents access to said leak test port (106) when said endoscope electro-optical subsystem (126) and said endoscope (102), (202) are directly connected in said electropneumatic connection assembly (104); and an electro-pneumatic adapter (120), which is connectable to said endoscope (102), (202) in said electro-pneumatic connection assembly (104) and comprises: an electro-pneumatic adapter connection assembly, including: an electrical connector (121) for connection to an electrical connector (110) of said endoscope (102), (202); a pneumatic connector portion (122) for connection to a pneumatic connector portion (108) of said electro-pneumatic connection assembly (104); and a leak test port connector (123) for connection to said leak test port (106) of said endoscope (102), (202); an adapter electrical port assembly (124) to which said endoscope electro-optical subsystem (126) is connectable; and a pneumatic port (128) with a conduit (310) that pneumatically connects the pneumatic port (128) to said leak test port connector (123).

Description

DESCRIPTION

Electropneumatic Endoscope Adapter

Technical sector

The present invention relates generally to endoscope systems and more particularly to adapters useful in endoscope systems.

State of the art

Various types of endoscope systems are known. US 2007/0185385 discloses an endoscope system comprising an endoscope including an electropneumatic endoscope connection assembly having a leak test port; and an electro-pneumatic adapter that is connectable to said endoscope in said electro-pneumatic connection assembly, said electro-pneumatic adapter comprising: an electro-pneumatic adapter connection assembly including an electrical connector; a pneumatic connector portion and a leak test port connector; an adapter electrical port assembly and a pneumatic port.

Object of the invention

The present invention, which is defined in independent claims 1 and 11 and in dependent claims 2-10 and 12, seeks to provide an improved endoscope system and a method of using an endoscope system.

Thus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided an endoscope system that includes an endoscope that includes an endoscope electropneumatic connection assembly having a leak test port, an endoscope electro-optical subsystem that is connectable to the endoscope via the endoscope electropneumatic connection assembly in a way that prevents access to the leak test port when the endoscope electro-optical subsystem and endoscope are connected in the electropneumatic connection assembly and an electropneumatic adapter, which is connectable to the endoscope in the endoscope assembly electropneumatic connection and includes an adapter electropneumatic connection assembly, which includes a leak test port connector for connection to the endoscope leak test port, an adapter electrical port assembly to which the endoscope electro-optical subsystem is connectable, and a pneumatic port.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention the pneumatic port includes a pneumatic connector assembly. Additionally or alternatively, the electropneumatic adapter is removably connectable to the endoscope in the electropneumatic connection assembly. Alternatively or additionally, the leak test port communicates with an interior volume of the endoscope.

The electropneumatic adapter includes an electrical connector for connection to an electrical connector of the endoscope, a pneumatic connector portion for connection to the endoscope electropneumatic connection assembly, and a leak test port connector for connection to the leak test port.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention the endoscope is a balloon endoscope and the endoscope system also includes a balloon inflation / deflation subsystem that is connected to the pneumatic port. Additionally, the balloon inflation / deflation subsystem is adapted to provide inflation and deflation of the balloon via the pneumatic port of the adapter, the leak test port, and an interior volume of the endoscope. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention the electropneumatic adapter is constructed such that the electropneumatic adapter connection assembly, the adapter electrical port assembly and the pneumatic port are directed at mutually different angles.

The electro-pneumatic adapter includes a conduit that pneumatically connects the endoscope's leak test port to the adapter's pneumatic port. Additionally or alternatively, the pneumatic port of the adapter is fixedly connected to at least one of a leak tester and a balloon inflation / deflation subsystem. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention the endoscope system also includes a leak tester that is connected to the pneumatic port.

Preferably, the balloon inflation / deflation subsystem is removably connected to the pneumatic port.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention there is also provided an electropneumatic adapter for use with an endoscope that includes an electropneumatic endoscope connection assembly having a leak test port, the electropneumatic adapter being connectable to the endoscope in the electropneumatic connection assembly. and which includes an adapter electropneumatic connection assembly, which includes a Leak test port connector for connection to the endoscope's leak test port, an adapter electrical port assembly, and a pneumatic port.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention the pneumatic port includes a pneumatic connector assembly. Additionally or alternatively, the electropneumatic adapter is connectable to the endoscope in the electropneumatic connection assembly. Preferably, the leak test port communicates with an interior volume of the endoscope.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention the adapter electropneumatic connection assembly includes a pneumatic connector portion for connection to the endoscope electropneumatic connection assembly and a leak test port connector for connection to the leak test port.

Preferably, the endoscope is a balloon endoscope and the pneumatic port of the electro-pneumatic adapter is connected to a balloon inflation / deflation subsystem. Additionally, the balloon inflation / deflation subsystem is adapted to provide inflation and deflation of the balloon via the pneumatic port of the adapter, the leak test port, and an interior volume of the endoscope.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention the electropneumatic adapter is constructed such that the electropneumatic adapter connection assembly, the adapter electrical port assembly and the pneumatic port are directed at mutually different angles.

The electro-pneumatic adapter also includes a conduit that pneumatically connects the endoscope's leak test port to the adapter's pneumatic port.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention the pneumatic port is fixedly connected to at least one of a leak tester and a balloon inflation / deflation subsystem.

Preferably, the pneumatic port of the electro-pneumatic adapter is connected to a leak tester. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention the pneumatic port is removably connected to the balloon inflation / deflation subsystem.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention there is further provided a method of using an endoscope system that includes an endoscope that includes an electropneumatic endoscope connection assembly having a leak test port, an endoscope electro-optical subsystem that is connectable to the endoscope via the endoscope electropneumatic connection assembly in a way that prevents access to the leak test port when the endoscope electro-optical subsystem and the endoscope are connected in the electropneumatic connection assembly and an electropneumatic adapter, which is connectable to the endoscope in the electropneumatic connection assembly and includes an adapter electropneumatic connection assembly, including a leak test port connector for connection to the endoscope leak test port, an adapter electrical port assembly to which the endoscope electro-optical subsystem and a neutral port procedure, including the procedure connecting the electropneumatic adapter to the endoscope in the electropneumatic connection assembly and connecting the endoscope electro-optical subsystem to the electropneumatic adapter adapter port assembly and connecting at least one of a leak tester and an inflation / deflation subsystem of balloon to the pneumatic port.

Preferably, at least one of the connection stages includes a connection removably. Additionally or alternatively, the connection of at least one of the leak tester and the balloon inflation / deflation subsystem to the pneumatic port connects the at least one of the leak tester and the balloon inflation / deflation subsystem to an interior volume of the endoscope. .

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention the method also includes connecting an electrical connector of the adapter to an electrical connector of the endoscope, connecting a pneumatic connector portion of the adapter to the electropneumatic endoscope connection assembly, and connecting the leak test port connector. for connection to the endoscope leak test port.

Preferably, the endoscope is a balloon endoscope and the method also includes removably connecting the balloon inflation / deflation subsystem to the pneumatic port. Additionally, the balloon inflation / deflation subsystem provides inflation and deflation of the balloon via the adapter pneumatic port, the leak test port, and an internal volume of the endoscope.

Preferably, the pneumatic port of the adapter is fixedly connected to at least one of the leak tester and the balloon inflation / deflation subsystem.

Description of the figures

The present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated from the drawings in which:

fig. 1 is a simplified illustration of an endoscope system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

figs. 2A and 2B are simplified illustrations of a balloon endoscope system constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention showing respective connections to a leak testing subsystem and a balloon inflation / deflation subsystem;

figs. 3A, 3B, and 3C are pictorial assembled, assembled section, and exploded view illustrations, respectively, of an electropneumatic adapter that forms part of the endoscope systems of FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B, with fig. 3B a sectional illustration taken along the lines MIB-IIIB of FIG. 3A;

figs. 4A, 4B and 4C are simplified illustrations of a first pneumatic connector element, which is part of the electro-pneumatic adapter of FIGS. 3A-3C, with fig. 4C a sectional illustration taken along the lines IVC-IVC of FIG. 4A;

figs. 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D are simplified illustrations of a main body portion of the electro-pneumatic adapter of FIGS. 3A-3C, with figs. 5A and 5B pictorial illustrations taken along mutually opposite directions and figs. 5C and 5D plan view sectional and pictorial illustrations, respectively, taken along lines VC-VC of FIG. 5A;

fig. 6 is a simplified illustration of an adapter electrical connector assembly that is part of the electropneumatic adapter of FIGS. 3A-3C;

figs. 7A, 7B and 7C are simplified illustrations of an electrical connector support block, which is part of the electro-pneumatic adapter of FIGS. 3A-3C, with fig. 7C a sectional illustration taken along lines VIIC-VIIC of FIG. 7A;

figs. 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D are simplified illustrations of a bayonet connection sub-assembly that forms part of the electro-pneumatic adapter of FIGS. 3A-3C, with figs. 8A and 8B pictorial illustrations taken along mutually opposite directions and figs. 8C and 8D sectional illustrations taken along the respective lines VIIIC-VIIIC and VIIID-VIIID of fig. 8A taken along mutually opposite directions; figs. 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D are simplified illustrations of the electro-pneumatic adapter of FIGS. 3A-3C without the main body portion and without the bayonet connection sub-assembly, FIGS. 9A and 9B pictorial illustrations taken along mutually opposite directions and figs. 9C and 9D plan view sectional and pictorial illustrations, respectively, taken along lines IXC-IXC of FIG. 9A;

figs. 10A and 10B are simplified illustrations showing two operating orientations of the electro-pneumatic adapter of FIGS. 3A-3C relating to an endoscope that is part of the balloon endoscope system of FIGS. 2A and 2B;

figs. 11A and 11B are simplified illustrations showing two operating orientations of the electropneumatic adapter of FIGS. 3A-3C when connected to an electro-optical subsystem that is part of the balloon endoscope system of FIGS. 2A and 2B;

figs. 12A and 12B are simplified illustrations showing two operating orientations of the electropneumatic adapter of FIGS. 3A-3C when connected to the leak testing subsystem that is part of the balloon endoscope system of FIG. 2A; and

figs. 13A and 13B are simplified illustrations showing two operating orientations of the electro-pneumatic adapter of FIGS. 3A-3C relating to the inflation / deflation subsystem that is part of the balloon endoscope system of FIG. 2B.

Detailed description of the invention

Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which is a simplified illustration of an endoscope system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

As seen in fig. 1, an endoscope system 100 is provided comprising an endoscope 102, which may be a suitable conventional endoscope, such as a CF-H180AL colonoscope, sold by Olympus Europe GmbH, WendenstralJe 14-18, 20097, Hamburg, Germany. The endoscope 102 includes an endoscope electropneumatic connection assembly 104, which includes a leak test port 106 that communicates with an interior volume 107 of the endoscope 102, and includes a pneumatic connector portion 108 and an electrical connector 110 that includes a plurality of male pins 112.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an electropneumatic adapter 120, which is removably connectable to endoscope 102, is provided at endoscope electropneumatic connection assembly 104 and includes an electrical connector 121, comprising a plurality of pins, for connection to the endoscope. electrical connector 110 of the endoscope 102, a pneumatic connector portion 122 for connection to the pneumatic connector portion 108 of the endoscope electropneumatic connection assembly 104, and a leak test port connector 123 that is applied to the leak test port 106 . The electropneumatic adapter 120 also includes an adapter electrical port connector 124 to which is connectable a connector 125 of an endoscope electro-optical subsystem 126 and a pneumatic connector assembly 128 for connection to a leak test subsystem 130 via a connector 132 of leak testing subsystem. Leak test subsystem connector 132 can be any suitable pneumatic connector, and is preferably similar to a conventional connector, which is part of a conventional leak tester such as Model SHA-P5, available from Pentax Europe GmbH, Julius 104 -Vosseler St., 22527 Hamburg, Germany.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the leak test subsystem 130 communicates with the interior volume 107 of the endoscope 102 via the leak test port 106.

The endoscope electro-optical subsystem 126 is a conventional endoscope electro-optical subsystem such as a CV-180 video processor, available from Olympus Europe GmbH, WendenstralJe 14-18, 20097, Hamburg, Germany.

It is appreciated that during conventional clinical use of endoscope 102 when performing endoscopic examination as is known in the art, endoscope 102 is directly connected to endoscope electro-optical subsystem 126, by connecting connector 125 to electropneumatic connection assembly 104 of the endoscope. endoscope, thereby preventing access to the leak test port 106 during the endoscopy procedure. It is further appreciated that the impediment of pneumatic access to the leak test port 106 and therefore to the internal volume 107 of the endoscope 102, when said electro-optical endoscope subsystem 126 and said endoscope 102 are connected in said electropneumatic connection assembly 104, prevents the performing endoscope 102 leak tests during endoscopic examination.

It is a particular feature of the present invention that the electropneumatic adapter 120 allows the simultaneous electrical connection of the endoscope 102 and the endoscope electro-optical subsystem 126, and the pneumatic communication between an external pneumatic device such as the leak tester 130 and the port 106 of the endoscope 102 leak testing, thereby allowing endoscope 102 leak testing during an endoscopic examination.

Reference is now made to FIG. 2A, which is a simplified illustration of a balloon endoscope system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

As seen in fig. 2A, a balloon endoscope system 200 is provided comprising a balloon endoscope 202, which may be a suitable conventional balloon endoscope, such as a G-FYF ™ H180AL colonoscope, sold by Smart Medical Systems, 10 Hayetsira street, 4366356 , Ra'anana, Israel. In addition to including a balloon 204, the balloon endoscope 202 can be identical in all relevant respects to the endoscope 102 (Fig. 1) and the balloon endoscope system 200 can be identical in all relevant respects to the endoscope system 100. identical elements being designated by identical reference numerals. Adapter 120 is connected to a leak test subsystem 130 via connector 132.

It is a particular feature of the present invention that the electropneumatic adapter 120 allows the simultaneous electrical connection of the balloon endoscope 202 and the endoscope electro-optical subsystem 126, and the pneumatic communication between an external pneumatic device such as the leak tester 130 and the port. 106 of balloon endoscope 202 leak test, thereby allowing leak testing of balloon endoscope 202 during an endoscopic examination. Reference is now made to FIG. 2B, which is a simplified illustration of a balloon endoscope system 220, which is identical to the balloon endoscope system 200 of FIG. 2A, but is connected to an inflation / deflation subsystem 230, via a connector 232, which may be identical to connector 132, rather than to a leak test subsystem 130 as in the embodiment of FIG. 2A. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the inflation / deflation subsystem communicates with the inner volume of the endoscope via the leak test port 106 and provides inflation and deflation of the balloon 204 via the inner volume 107.

It is appreciated that having balloon endoscope 202 been directly connected to endoscope electro-optical subsystem 126 while performing an endoscopic examination, by connecting connector 125 to endoscope electropneumatic connection assembly 104 as is commonly known in the art, Access to the leak test port 106 would have been prevented and consequently inflation and deflation of the balloon 204 through the interior volume 107 would have been prevented by the inflation / deflation subsystem 230 during endoscopic examination.

It is a particular feature of the present invention that the electropneumatic adapter 120 allows the simultaneous electrical connection of the balloon endoscope 202 and the endoscope electro-optical subsystem 126, and pneumatic communication between an external pneumatic device such as the inflation / deflation subsystem 230 and inside the balloon endoscope 202, via the leak test port 106, thereby allowing inflation and deflation of the balloon 204 from the balloon endoscope 202 during an endoscopic examination.

Reference is now made to Figs. 3A, 3B and 3C which are pictorial assembled, assembled section and exploded view illustrations, respectively, of an electropneumatic adapter 120, which is part of the endoscope systems of FIGS. 1 and 2.

As seen in figs. 3A, 3B, and 3C, the electropneumatic adapter 120 comprises a main body portion 300, an adapter electrical connector assembly 302, an electrical connector support block 304, and a bayonet connector assembly 306, for connection to the assembly 104 of endoscope electropneumatic connection (fig. 1). Retaining shims 307, 308, and 309 are used to retain the adapter electrical connector assembly 302 in the main body portion 300.

A pneumatic conduit 310 extends through a channel 312 formed in the electrical connector support block 304 and is coupled at one end 314 thereof to the pneumatic connector assembly 128 (FIG. 1). It is clearly seen in figs. 3B and 3C that pneumatic connector assembly 128 includes first and second pneumatic connector elements 316 and 318.

The first pneumatic connector member 316 is illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4C, now referred to, and includes a generally circular cylindrical portion 320, exhibiting a longitudinal axis 322, which is integrally formed with a generally square flange portion 324, extending in a plane generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 322. An inner portion 326 extends inwardly from the flange portion 324 and includes a hole 328 that extends along an axis 332, which intersects and is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 322.

The generally circular cylindrical portion 320 includes an outer bore portion 334, within which an inner bore portion 336 is formed, both extending along the longitudinal axis 322. The inner hole portion 336 terminates in a hole 338, which also extends along the longitudinal axis 322 and intersects with and joins the hole 328 at a 90 degree joint 340.

The second pneumatic connector element 318 may be a conventional pneumatic connector, such as an EOG valve assembly model number D201-V2330-1, available from Pentax Europe GmbH, 104 Julius-Vosseler St., 22527 Hamburg, Germany.

The pneumatic conduit 310 is arranged to be coupled to one end 350 thereof, which constitutes the leak test port connector 123 (FIG. 1) and is preferably equipped with an O-ring 352, to the leak test port 106 (fig. 1).

The main body portion 300 is illustrated in detail in FIGS. 5A-5D, now referenced. As seen in figs. 5A-5D, the main body portion 300 is an integrally formed generally circular symmetrical element disposed about a longitudinal axis 400 that includes a first generally circular cylindrical portion 402 having a generally circular cylindrical inner surface 404 and a generally cylindrical outer surface 406 circular. Formed in the generally circular cylindrical outer surface 406 are a plurality of mutually spaced, generally rectangular radial projections 408, the azimuth distribution of which is shown in a sectional view portion of FIG. 5A.

The generally circular cylindrical outer surface 406 extends from an edge 410 to a shallow circumferential groove 412. Adjacent to the notch 412 is a circumferential projection 414 having a plurality of mutually spaced, radially extending apertures 416 formed therein. The generally circular cylindrical inner surface 404 extends from edge 410 to shoulder 418.

Axially adjacent to the first generally circular cylindrical portion 402 is a second generally circular cylindrical portion 422, having a generally circular cylindrical inner surface 424 and a generally circular cylindrical outer surface 426.

The generally circular cylindrical outer surface 426 extends axially from a shoulder 428 to a generally circular rim 430, axially adjacent to which is a relative notch portion 432. The generally circular cylindrical outer surface 426 includes a circumferential projection 434 having a side opening 436 formed therein. Generally circular cylindrical inner surface 424 extends from shoulder 418 to shoulder 438 and includes a side recess 440 surrounding side opening 436.

Axially adjacent to the second generally circular cylindrical portion 422 is a third generally circular cylindrical portion 442, having a generally circular cylindrical inner surface 444 and a generally circular cylindrical outer surface 446.

The generally circular cylindrical outer surface 446 extends from the flange 434 to an edge 448 and includes a leading notched portion 450 and a chamfered portion 452 adjacent the edge 448. The generally circular cylindrical inner surface 444 extends from the shoulder 438 to the edge. 448. Arranged within and adjacent to the generally circular cylindrical interior surface 444 are azimuthal spaced retaining shims 307, 308, and 309 (FIG. 3C), which are used to retain the adapter electrical connector assembly 302 in the portion 300 main body. Shims 307, 308, and 309 are attached to the main body portion, preferably by screws 454 that extend via openings 456 formed in the main body portion 300 and into correspondingly positioned threaded recesses 458 formed on the outer surfaces of the shims. shims 307, 308 and 309.

Shims 307, 308, and 309 are attached to main body portion 300 only after insertion of adapter electrical connector assembly 302 into main body portion 300 and are positioned to form a circumferential edge recess 460 therebetween. and a plurality of axial recesses 462 extending from circumferential edge recess 460 to shoulder 438.

A plurality of radially extending apertures 464 are formed in the third generally circular cylindrical portion 442 and retain radially outwardly extending pins 466 therein.

The adapter electrical connector assembly 302 is illustrated in FIG. 6, now referred to, and includes a base member 500 having a plurality of mutually spaced plug openings 502 extending therethrough from a generally flat first surface 504 to a flat second surface 506. The second planar surface 506 is provided with an azimuth orientation projection 508. A plurality of electrical contact plug assemblies 510 are mounted on base member 500, each in a plug mounting opening 502, extending through base member 500. Each of the electrical contact pin assemblies 510 preferably includes a male pin element 520 that is configured to seat in and extend through the base element 500, a generally circular cylindrical intermediate pin shaft 522, and a plug element 524. female plug.

The male pin element 520 is preferably an integrally formed element and includes an axial pin portion 530 and a socket 532 for releasably receiving a first end of the intermediate pin shaft 522. The generally circular cylindrical intermediate pin shaft 522 is preferably an elongated shaft, preferably having end grooves 534 formed therein to provide resilience. The female plug member 524 is preferably an integrally formed hollow cylindrical member, one end of which forms a socket 536 to retainably receive a second end of the intermediate plug shaft 522.

Electrical connector support block 304 is illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7C, now referenced. As seen in figs. 7A-7C, the electrical connector support block 304 is preferably an integrally formed, generally cylindrical element that extends along an axis 550 and is preferably formed of a dielectric material such as DEL-RIN, ABS, or OKOLON.

The electrical connector support block 304 is preferably formed with a plurality of generally circular cylindrical through-holes 552 extending from a first end 554 of block 304 to a second end 556 of block 304. The holes 552 have a radius in section generally uniform cross section along most of their extension 557 from first end 554 and have a short extension 558 adjacent to second end 556 that exhibits a smaller cross-sectional radius. Each electrical contact pin assembly 510 is retained in an extension 557 of a hole 552. A recess 559 is formed in the first end 554 of block 304 to accommodate the azimuth orientation boss 508 (FIG. 6).

As seen particularly in fig. 7C, channel 312 terminates in a recess 560, which is located within an external recess 562, both of which house one end of the first pneumatic connector element 316.

Bayonet connector assembly 306 is illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8D, now referenced. The construction and general operation of the bayonet connector assembly 306 are similar to those of the Olympus MAJ-1430 Pigtail, sold by Olympus Europe GmbH, WendenstralJe 14-18, 20097, Hamburg, Germany. Briefly stated, bayonet connector assembly 306 includes a main cylindrical portion 570 having a pair of inclined circumferential bayonet plug receiving slots 572 formed therein. A lock ring assembly 574, including a front portion 576 and a rear portion 578, cooperates with the main cylindrical portion 570 in a conventional manner and is preferably spring loaded in a conventional manner. The details of the conventional bayonet connector assembly 306 are not shown or described in detail.

Figs. 9A-9D illustrate the assembly of elements 302, 304, 310, 316 and 318 as described in detail hereinbefore.

Reference is now made to Figs. 10A and 10B, which are simplified illustrations showing two operating orientations of the electropneumatic adapter of FIGS. 3A-3C relating to an endoscope that is part of the balloon endoscope system of FIGS. 2A and 2B. In fig. 10A, it is seen that the electropneumatic adapter 120 is entirely disconnected from the balloon endoscope 202.

In fig. 10B, it is seen that the electropneumatic adapter 120 is connected to the balloon endoscope 202, such that the pneumatic conduit 310 is sealedly coupled to one end 350 thereof, which constitutes the leak test port connector 123 (FIG. 1) and is fitted with an O-ring 352, to the leak test port 106 (FIG. 1) of the balloon endoscope 202. It is also seen that the male pins 112 of the electrical connector 110 of the balloon endoscope 202 are each inserted into a corresponding female plug element 524 of the set 510 of electrical contact pins of the adapter 120.

Reference is now made to Figs. 11A and 11B, which are simplified illustrations showing two operating orientations of the electropneumatic adapter of FIGS. 3A-3C relating to an electro-optical subsystem that is part of the balloon endoscope system of FIGS. 2A and 2B. In fig. 11A, it is seen that the electropneumatic adapter 120 is connected to the balloon endoscope 202, but is entirely disconnected from the electro-optical subsystem 126 and connector 125 (FIG. 1).

In fig. 11B, it is seen that the axial pin portions 530 of the electrical contact plug assemblies 510 of the adapter 120 are each inserted into a corresponding pin socket in the connector 125. It is also seen that the male pins 520 of the assembly 510 of electrical contact pin of adapter 120 are each inserted into a corresponding female pin socket 580 of connector 125.

Reference is now made to Figs. 12A and 12B, which are simplified illustrations showing two operating orientations of the electropneumatic adapter of FIGS. 3A-3C relating to the leak testing subsystem that is part of the balloon endoscope system of FIG. 2A. In fig. 12A, it is seen that electropneumatic adapter 120 is connected to balloon endoscope 202 and electro-optical subsystem 126 via connector 125 (FIG. 1) but is entirely disconnected from leak test subsystem 130.

In fig. 12B, it is seen that the second pneumatic connector element 318 is connected to the leak test subsystem 130 via the connector 132, which is preferably bayonet connected to the second pneumatic connector element 318 in a conventional manner.

Reference is now made to Figs. 13A and 13B, which are simplified illustrations showing two operating orientations of the electropneumatic adapter of FIGS. 3A-3C relating to the inflation / deflation subsystem 230 which is part of the balloon endoscope system of FIG. 2B. In fig. 13A, it is seen that electropneumatic adapter 120 is connected to balloon endoscope 202 and electro-optical subsystem 126 via connector 125 (FIG. 1) but is entirely disconnected from inflation / deflation subsystem 230 and connector 232.

In fig. 13B, it is seen that the second pneumatic connector element 318 is connected to the inflation / deflation subsystem 230 via the connector 232, which is preferably bayonet connected to the second pneumatic connector element 318 in a conventional manner.

The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the scope of the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather, the scope of the present invention includes combinations and sub-combinations of the features described hereinbefore, as well as modifications thereof that do not constitute prior art.

Claims (12)

1. Endoscope system (100), (200), (220) comprising: an endoscope (102), (202) including an endoscope electropneumatic connection assembly (104) having a leak test port (106); an endoscope electro-optical subsystem (126) that is connectable to said endoscope (102), (202) via said endoscope electropneumatic connection assembly (104) in a manner that prevents access to said leak test port (106) when said endoscope electro-optical subsystem (126) and said endoscope (102), (202) are directly connected in said electropneumatic connection assembly (104); and an electropneumatic adapter (120), which is connectable to said endoscope (102), (202) in said electropneumatic connection assembly (104) and comprises: an electropneumatic adapter connection assembly, including: an electrical connector (121) for connection to an electrical connector (110) of said endoscope (102), (202); a pneumatic connector portion (122) for connection to a pneumatic connector portion (108) of said electro-pneumatic connection assembly (104); and a leak test port connector (123) for connection to said leak test port (106) of said endoscope (102), (202); an adapter electrical port assembly (124) to which said endoscope electro-optical subsystem (126) is connectable; and a pneumatic port (128) with a conduit (310) that pneumatically connects the pneumatic port (128) to said leak test port connector (123). An endoscope system (100), (200), (220) according to claim 1 and wherein said pneumatic port (128) includes a pneumatic connector assembly. An endoscope system (100), (200), (220) according to claim 1 or claim 2 and wherein said electropneumatic adapter (120) is removably connectable to said endoscope (102), (202) at said electropneumatic connection assembly (104). An endoscope system (100), (200), (220) according to any preceding claim and wherein said leak test port (106) communicates with an interior volume of said endoscope (102), (202 ). Endoscope system (220) according to any of the preceding claims and wherein said endoscope (202) is a balloon endoscope and wherein said endoscope system also comprises: a balloon inflation / deflation subsystem (230) that is connected to said pneumatic port (128). The endoscope system (220) of claim 5 and wherein said balloon inflation / deflation subsystem (230) is adapted to provide inflation and deflation of said balloon via said pneumatic port (128) of said adapter (120 ), said leak test port (106) and an interior volume of said endoscope (220). An endoscope system (100), (200), (220) according to any of the preceding claims and wherein said electropneumatic adapter (120) is constructed such that said electropneumatic adapter connection assembly, said electrical port assembly adapter and said pneumatic port (128) are directed at mutually different angles. Endoscope system (100), (200), (220) according to any of the preceding claims and wherein said pneumatic port (128) of said adapter (120) is fixedly connected to at least one of a tester (130) and a balloon inflation / deflation subsystem (230). Endoscope system (100), (200) according to any of claims 1-4 and also comprising a leak tester (130) that is connected to said pneumatic port (128). The endoscope system (220) of claim 5 and wherein said balloon inflation / deflation subsystem (230) is removably connected to said pneumatic port (128). 11. Procedure for using an endoscope system (100), (200), (220) comprising: an endoscope (102), (202) including an endoscope electropneumatic connection assembly (104) having a leak test port (106); an endoscope electro-optical subsystem (126) that is connectable to said endoscope (102), (202) via said endoscope electropneumatic connection assembly (104) in a manner that prevents access to said leak test port (106) when said endoscope electro-optical subsystem (126) and said endoscope (102), (202) are directly connected in said electropneumatic connection assembly (104); and an electropneumatic adapter (120), which is connectable to said endoscope (102), (202) in said electropneumatic connection assembly (104) and comprises: an electropneumatic adapter connection assembly, including: an electrical connector (121) for connection to an electrical connector (110) of said endoscope (102), (202); a pneumatic connector portion (122) for connection to a pneumatic connector portion (108) of said endoscope electropneumatic connection assembly (104); and a leak test port connector (123) for connection to said leak test port (106) of said endoscope (102), (202); an adapter electrical port assembly (124) to which said endoscope electro-optical subsystem (126) is connectable; and a pneumatic port (128) with a conduit (310) that pneumatically connects the pneumatic port (128) to said leak test port connector (123), the procedure comprising: connecting said electropneumatic adapter (120) to said endoscope (102), (202) in said electropneumatic connection assembly (104); and connecting said endoscope electro-optical subsystem (126) to said adapter electrical port assembly (124) of said electro-pneumatic adapter (120); and connecting at least one of a leak tester (130) and a balloon inflation / deflation subsystem (230) to said pneumatic port (128). 12. Method of using an endoscope system according to claim 11 and in which at least one of said connection steps comprises the connection removably.